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Seedling Blight and Damping Off | |
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From the May 25, 2009 Issue of Agri-News | |
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“All crops can be affected by one or more of the fungus pathogens that result in seedling blight,” says Karla Bergstrom, grains and oilseed economist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Edmonton. “Seed treating before planting can help protect the seed and the newly emerging seedlings. It is also advisable to plant shallow so the seedling does not rely on its seed reserve as long. This means the seedling is stronger and growing well, faster than a seedling that is planted deeper.
“One of the most important factors to prevent severe infection is to plant good quality seed. Cracked seed allows the pathogen to enter the seed and this can increase the infection rate.”
Weather plays a role in the occurrence of seedling blight. Cool moist conditions in the spring can slow seed germination and emergence, and this can make a crop more susceptible to seedling blight.
Pathogens vary depending on weather conditions. Further information on seedling blight and the pathogens that could be causing the problem is available at http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/faq6801.
Contact:
Mark Cutts
310-FARM (3276)
Neil Whatley
310-FARM (3276)
The contents of this page are no longer available.
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For more information about the content of this document, contact Mark Cutts.
This document is maintained by Rita Splawinski.
This information published to the web on May 20, 2009.
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